Infinite resolution scheme for graphical user interface object

Abstract

A method and system for creating a controllable, shaped, and scalable graphical user interface (“GUI”) object for use in an application program displayed on a computer. An infinite resolution scheme according to the present invention may display a GUI in any shape at any size with minimal or no loss of original image quality. Infinite resolution may be accomplished by storing optimized vector image data (“OVID”), as opposed to raster-type data, for the outline and body of the image to be displayed. When the image is resized or reshaped, the OVID is accessed so that the original quality of the image is captured and maintained.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for creating a controllable, shapeable, and scalable graphical user interface object defined by vector image data, the method comprising the steps of: 
       storing data associated with a graphical user interface object image in an optimized vector image data format wherein optimized vector image data comprises vector image data defining image components associated with an interactive application program and wherein the vector image data comprises a vector image file, a vector mask file and a vector overlay file;  
       storing at least one data file associated with the interactive application program;  
       parsing, encrypting, and compressing the optimized vector image data;  
       saving the optimized vector image data into a memory;  
       loading the optimized vector image data from the memory into the interactive application program wherein the interactive application program comprises animation functionality;  
       decompressing and decrypting the optimized vector image data;  
       processing the vector image data for defining display characteristics of the graphical user interface object image wherein display characteristics comprise display size, display shape and display position; and  
       displaying the graphical user interface object image in accordance with the display characteristics wherein the graphical user interface object image contains functionality associated with the interactive application program and wherein the optimized vector image data is accessed when the graphical user interface object is resized or reshaped so that the graphical user interface object displays minimal loss of original design image resolution.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the optimized vector image data further comprises ancillary image and data files. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the optimized vector image data further comprises program control and sub-control areas. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein operation of the interactive application program is prevented when the graphical user interface object data is altered by an unauthorized source to ensure security. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of displaying the graphical user interface object image further comprises scaling the graphical user interface object image wherein the graphical user interface object image comprises at least one void and at least one discontinuous area. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of executing predefined and user initiated actions. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the optimized vector image data is created separately and independently from the interactive application program. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein the graphical user interface object image is changeable at a user's discretion. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein the graphical user interface comprises a clock design program for use on a computer wherein a clock image is displayed on a computer screen. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9  wherein the user activates one or more alarms as reminders wherein the one or more alarms contain one or more visual options. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9  wherein the user activates one or more alarms as reminders wherein the one or more alarms contain one or more audio options. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9  wherein the user activates one or more alarms as reminders wherein the one or more alarms contain one or more animated image options. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9  wherein the user creates message notes as reminders displayed on the computer screen wherein the message notes are scaleable. 
     
     
       14. A system for creating a controllable, shapeable, and scalable graphical user interface object defined by vector image data, the system comprising: 
       a storage means for storing data associated with a graphical user interface object image in an optimized vector image data format wherein optimized vector image data comprises vector image data defining image components associated with an interactive application program and wherein the vector image data comprises a vector image file, a vector mask file and a vector overlay file;  
       a data file storage means for storing at least one data file associated with the interactive application program;  
       a processor for parsing, encrypting, and compressing the optimized vector image data;  
       a memory for saving the optimized vector image data;  
       a post-processor for loading the optimized vector image data from the memory into the interactive application program wherein the interactive application program comprises animation functionality; decompressing and decrypting the optimized vector image data; and processing the vector image data for defining display characteristics of the graphical user interface object image wherein display characteristics comprise display size, display shape and display position; and  
       a display means for displaying the graphical user interface object image in accordance with the display characteristics wherein the graphical user interface object image contains functionality associated with the interactive application program and wherein the optimized vector image data is accessed when the graphical user interface object is resized or reshaped so that the graphical user interface object displays minimal loss of original design image resolution.  
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14  wherein the optimized vector image data further comprises ancillary image and data files. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 14  wherein the optimized vector image data further comprises program control and sub-control areas. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 14  wherein operation of the interactive application program is prevented when the graphical user interface object data is altered by an unauthorized source to ensure security. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 14  wherein the display means for displaying the graphical user interface object image further comprises scaling the graphical user interface object image wherein the graphical user interface object image comprises at least one void and at least one discontinuous area. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 14  further comprises predefined and user initiated actions. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 14  wherein the optimized vector image data is created separately and independently from the interactive application program. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 14  wherein the graphical user interface object image is changeable at a user's discretion. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 14  wherein the graphical user interface comprises a clock design program for use on a computer wherein a clock image is displayed on a computer screen. 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 22  wherein the user activates one or more alarms as reminders wherein the one or more alarms contain one or more visual options. 
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 22  wherein the user activates one or more alarms as reminders wherein the one or more alarms contain one or more audio options. 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 22  wherein the user activates one or more alarms as reminders wherein the one or more alarms contain one or more animated image options. 
     
     
       26. The system of  claim 22  wherein the user creates message notes as reminders displayed on the computer screen wherein the message notes are scaleable.